“Oh ha-ha. Tease me some more would you.” I huffed. I had to come, probation prevented me from going anywhere else.

“You aren’t getting tired of my company, are you?” Conner silently laughed, barely a smile on his face. “And here I thought you enjoyed having me around, you do seem to make it happen often.” He had a unique sense of humor, which mostly meant they were jokes at my expense.

I made sure he saw me roll my eyes at him, and I took my glasses of so I could redo my mess of eyeliner. I may be covered by a mask most of the time but that didn’t mean I couldn’t take pride in my appearance. I took my pocket mirror out and held it with one hand and my liner in the other.

Ok. Steady. I can do this while walking and not stab myself in the eye.

A long line of liner swept across my cheek as Conner decided to give me a slight push to the side, swiftly followed by another chuckle. I growled at him through clenched teeth.

“I’m sorry, I thought I saw something in your path.” A full smile on his face now. “You’ve got a little something right there.” He reached down and smudged the liner.

“You know what, I do think I am tiring of your company.” I pulled at his coat and used it clean my face, and then performed a successful attempt at reapplying. “This is a waste of time,” I bit at my cheek, “this is probably just a Scav prank.”

“And what if it’s not?” Conner straightened his coat and looked down at me.

I felt a shiver strike me. I don’t like Scavs. It’s as simple as that, they’re dirty little thieves. Selling so called relics for profit. Although some of them do hunts assigned by the regent himself, but that doesn’t change what they do in their free time.

Conner opened the front door with his key card. He must have been here before to have is ID saved in the buildings system. What I assumed to be the director of the Carrion approached Conner, hand outstretched. A metal hand, attached to an equally metal arm. That’s rare, expensive too. Most Scavs and even Militia who lose limbs in the field can’t afford a replacement.

Conner took the mans hand and shook it once. “Luke, we came as quickly as we were able.”

“Yes Of course. I was finalizing grades for placements when I got the news. Right this way.” Luke escorted us down the hall.

“Show me.” Conner’s voice fell heavy in the hall, not even an echo.

I trailed behind, I could just run now and risk further probation. Then at least I wouldn’t have to be around Scavs, I almost hated them as much as the Demons. Although watching Conner work kept me from running off. He’s so good at everything, it’s annoying.

“We gave the command to evacuate, the area should be…empty.” Luke trailed to a disappointed whisper as the door swung open.

A group of three individuals stood at the edge of a diving pool, wearing matching skintight navy uniforms with bright blue accents at the shoulders, neck and wrists.

A Scav team.

Luke walked briskly towards them, like a father ready to punish a child. “What are you doing in here?” He addressed all of them but only looked at one. “Didn’t you hear the announcement?”

“Sorry Dad.” The tall one, judging by his build, the Leviathan of the team spoke up.

Conner stepped in, ignoring the others and examined the pool. I wanted to join him, to look and see if it was another Demon dead at the bottom like it should be. But I couldn’t look away. The diver was something else. Horrifically tall and awkward because of it, he had to lean ridiculously far over to be scolded by his father. That wasn’t it though, it was his hair.

A long, very long, down to the back of his calves long, thin charcoal pony tail fell down his back. I’ve never seen someone with that much hair. He turned and noticed I was staring. The most out of place full toothed smile filled his face. My stomach cringed, making me feel sick. I whipped my eyes away and looked at what Conner was doing.

“The three of you need to leave now.” Luke ordered.

“No.” Conner held his hand up. “They’re involved now. No one leaves until after they’ve been questioned.”

Luke may have had a commanding tone, but unlike Conner he didn’t have the authority to back his up.

“Understood. Sit here and do not move.” Luke gestured to a small bench.

“Yes sir.” They answered in unison.

The bench was wide enough to fit all of them, but the smallest one curled up in the other girl’s lap. Great. I’m supposed to be staying out of trouble, and Conner throws me in to a situation with stress written all over it.

“Riley.”

I snapped to attention.

“Question them while I get to work here.”

No ‘can you’ or any inkling that I had a choice in the matter. I considered Conner my friend, but first and foremost he was my captain, and an order was absolute.